Here at CIRA, our mission is straightforward: build a trusted internet for Canadians.
But Canadians can’t have trust in the internet if they are constantly under threat from cyber attacks.
That’s why we offer tools, like Canadian Shield, which are designed to help Canadians combat cyber threats like phishing and malware. Because we want to make it simple to use, Canadian Shield is available in a variety of formats so they can stay protected wherever—and with whatever—they use to log on to the internet.
So, which is the best option for you?
This handy guide is designed to make choosing the right version of Canadian Shield as simple as possible.
The “protect all your devices at home” version
What it is: reconfiguring the settings on your modem
When to use: when you want to ensure everyone who is logging on to your home WiFi is benefitting from Shield protections without needing to change the settings for each device individually.
Where it provides protection: any device (as long as it is logging on using your home WiFi)
Where it doesn’t provide protection: when devices aren’t logging on through your modem. For example, using your phone on the bus when it’s not connected to home WiFi
Technical savviness required: medium. Will require you to reconfigure the settings on your modem
How to get it: reconfigure your modem settings using the modem set-up guide
The simple version
What it is: the Canadian Shield browser extension
When to use: when you want simple, easy-to-install protection for a laptop or home computer
Where it provides protection: on any browser on which it is installed. For example: a laptop with Chrome installed
Where it doesn’t provide protection: on other devices or browsers where the extension is not installed
Technical savviness required: low (like, really, really low)—we’ve designed it to be as simple as possible!
How to get it: go to the browser extension set-up guide and choose the link for your browser
The “protect yourself anywhere” version
What it is: the Canadian Shield mobile app
When to use: when you want to protect a device wherever you go
Where it provides protection: wherever you take your mobile device
Where it doesn’t provide protection: on other devices
Technical savviness required: low (basically just the ability to install an app)
How to get it: go to the set-up guide page and choose your operating system for your mobile operating system
The choice for protecting an individual device
What it is: Canadian Shield has a variety of set-up guides that can be used to configure different devices, including everything from your Nintendo Switch to your Ubuntu Desktop
When to use: when you want to protect an individual device
Where it provides protection: on any device where it’s installed
Where it doesn’t provide protection: on other devices
Technical savviness required: varied—some are easier, some are more complicated
How to get it: go to the Canadian Shield set-up guide and choose the device you want to set up
The “I am looking for cybersecurity protection at work” option
What it is: this is a trick option! Canadian Shield is designed for households and private use. If you’re looking for protection for your organization with more functionality and reporting, check out CIRA DNS Firewall.
When to use: when you need protection for your workplace
Where it provides protection: work networks and devices
Where it doesn’t provide protection: for personal/family devices
Technical savviness required: medium
How to get it: book a meeting with our sales team
Conclusion
CIRA Canadian Shield is a great way to protect your family from cyber threats.
By using this set-up guide you can choose the best set-up option for you.
Mark Brownlee is a Product Marketing Manager with CIRA Cybersecurity Services. His work, which focuses on the CIRA DNS Firewall and Canadian Shield products, is dedicated to helping protect people and organizations in Canada from cyber threats. His background is in marketing strategy, communications planning and advertising best practices.
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